U.S. patent application number 11/243065 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for fishing rod and tackle carrier.
Invention is credited to Robert Kuiack.
Application Number | 20060075677 11/243065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36141727 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060075677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuiack; Robert |
April 13, 2006 |
Fishing rod and tackle carrier
Abstract
A fishing rod and tackle carrier is disclosed. The container
encloses a portion of a fishing pole. The fishing pole has a reel
and a rod. The container includes two substantially rigid and
opposing end walls. The end walls are spaced apart a distance large
enough to suspend the pole and permit the reel to fit inside the
container. The upper rims of the end walls define opposing recesses
which are shaped to receive one or more rods with such rods being
held securely in place when the lid of the container is closed.
Inventors: |
Kuiack; Robert; (Ottawa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP
TWO STAMFORD PLAZA
281 TRESSER BOULEVARD
STAMFORD
CT
06901
US
|
Family ID: |
36141727 |
Appl. No.: |
11/243065 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60616213 |
Oct 7, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
43/26 ;
43/54.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 97/06 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A01K 97/22 20130101; A01K 97/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
043/026 ;
043/054.1 |
International
Class: |
A01K 97/08 20060101
A01K097/08; A01K 97/06 20060101 A01K097/06 |
Claims
1. A carrier for a fishing pole comprising a rod and reel, said
carrier comprising opposed end and side walls and a floor defining
an interior space, an open top, an exposed upper rim, an openable
lid for covering said open top, and a pair of opposed aligned
recesses at said rim within said end walls to receive one or more
rod and reels to be retained within said recesses in co-operation
with said lid when closed, said reel being cradled between said
depressions within said interior space and said end walls or side
walls or both being at least partly rigid.
2. A carrier as defined in claim 1 for carrying a plurality of
fishing poles in side-by-side relationship.
3. A carrier as defined in claim 1 further comprising a rigid rim
cap covering said upper rim, and a fabric cover covering said walls
and floor, said fabric cover being fastened to said rim cap.
4. A carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said
side and end walls comprises a flotation member.
5. A carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said recesses are broad
relative to their height and each have a substantially flat
bottom.
6. A carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said lid comprises an
at least partially rigid panel, for contacting said rod and reel
when closed and minimizing slippage of said rod and reel relative
to said carrier.
7. A carrier as defined in claim 6 wherein said panel is
resilient.
8. A carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said recesses have a
depth that is sufficiently shallow to permit a conventional rod and
reel to protrude upwardly above said upper rim, such that said lid
contacts said rod and reel when closed to minimize slippage.
9. A method of carrying at least one fishing rod and reel unit,
comprising the steps of: providing a carrier comprising opposed end
and side walls and a floor defining an interior space, an open top,
an exposed upper rim, an openable lid for covering said open top,
and a pair of opposed aligned recesses at said rim within said end
walls; placing said at least one rod and reel set within said
carrier, such that said reel is cradled between said recesses
within the interior of said carrier, and said rod protrudes
outwardly from said carrier from either end thereof; and closing
said lid to at least partly retain said rod and reel set within
said carrier.
10. A method as defined in claim 9 for carrying a plurality of rod
and reel sets in side-by-side relation within said carrier, by
placing said rod and reel set substantially side-by-side within
said recesses.
11. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein said rod and reel sets
are further prevented from slippage by providing as said cover an
at least partially rigid and resilient panel for firmly gripping
said rod and reel when resting within said recesses, wherein said
recesses each have a depth that permits a conventional rod and reel
to contact said lid.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C.,
S.119(e) of United States provisional application 60/616,213 filed
Oct. 7, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to sport fishing gear, in
particular a carrier for fishing rods and tackle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The sport of fishing often requires the fisherman to carry a
substantial amount of equipment to the fishing site. This equipment
can include rods, reels, bait, artificial lures, knives, weights,
floats and other tackle. This equipment can be damaged or lost if
it is not properly stored and protected. For example, an
unprotected pole can be dropped or the rod or reel can be damaged
when the fisherman is moving through rough terrain from one fishing
location to another. Sand becoming lodged in the reel as a result
of the reel being dropped or dragged can be particularly
damaging.
[0004] There are some known devices which can be categorized as
fishing pole carriers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,953 of Taylor issued May
16, 1995 discloses an open-faced tackle box. The tackle box has
vertical end panels each having a slot to receive a fishing pole.
The rod is suspended between the slots. The tackle box thus holds
one or two fishing poles for convenient carrying.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,455 of Bracken et al. issued Jul. 11,
2000 discloses a protective container for a fishing pole. The
container has openings in the end walls to permit both ends of a
fishing pole to protrude from the container. A compartment within
the container permits storage of a plurality of fishing hooks. The
patent does not disclose means to protect the reel of a fishing
pole.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved fishing rod and tackle carrier, preferably for carrying
one or more telescoping rod and reel sets and miscellaneous
tackle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a container for a portion of a fishing pole and associated tackle.
The fishing pole comprises a reel and a rod. The container includes
two substantially rigid and opposing end walls. The rigid end walls
are spaced apart a distance large enough to permit the reel to fit
within the interior of the container between the walls. At least
one and preferably both of the rigid walls include a recess opening
upwardly to receive and cradle a rod. Two foldable and opposing
walls permit the container to be collapsed when not in use. A
fastener is adapted to fasten a fishing pole to the container.
[0008] In one embodiment, the fastener includes a lid and a cover
extendable across the lid. The cover is attached to a selected one
of: one of the rigid walls, one of the foldable walls, and the
cover is also releasably attached to a selected one of: the other
of the rigid walls, the other of the foldable walls.
[0009] In an alternative version, rigid side and end walls are
provided. An upper rim cap comprising rigid molded plastic cover,
shaped like an inverted trough, is fitted onto the upper edge of
the side and end walls to form a durable upper rim for the carrier.
Either of the side walls or end walls, or both, may comprise a
rigid or semi-rigid closed-cell foam to provide flotation.
Additional flotation may be provided within the cover, this
flotation preferably comprising foam closed-cell foam retained
within a fully enclosed pocket within the cover. The foam within
the cover also provides additional protection for the rod and reel
and other contents of the container.
[0010] In one embodiment, the container is sized to house a
plurality of rod and reel sets.
[0011] The fishing rod carrier according to the present invention
protects fishing rods and reels from damage, while providing a
secure means to carry the rods and reels (one or more thereof) as
well as associated tackle.
[0012] An advantage of the fishing rod carrier according to the
present invention is that it has storage compartments like pockets
or storing fishing tackle and other small items.
[0013] Another advantage of the fishing rod carrier according to
one aspect of the present invention is that it is collapsible to
permit better storage of the carrier when it is not in use.
[0014] While the invention will be described in conjunction with
illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the present patent specification as a
whole. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, it will be understood that all dimensions and sizes
described herein, both relative and absolute, may be varied within
a broad range to provide a carrier sized to the desired use. As
well, materials described herein are merely intended to be
illustrative and are subject to a range of alternatives.
Directional references herein such as "upper", "lower",
"horizontal", etc. are merely intended for convenience of
description. As well, "fabric" includes vinyl or other flexible
sheeting material; "foam" includes any type of rigid or semi-rigid
buoyant material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] These and other advantages of the invention will become
apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon
referring to the drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fishing
pole carrier, according to the present invention, with a top cover
removed from the carrier;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an end view of the fishing pole carrier;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of the fishing pole carrier, with the
top cover removed and a fishing pole within the carrier; and
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of two of the fishing pole
carriers attached together, one on top of the other.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] In the following description, similar features in the
drawings have been given identical reference numerals where
appropriate. All dimensions described herein are intended solely to
illustrate an embodiment. These dimensions are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention that may depart from these
dimensions.
[0021] Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a carrier 10 for
carrying a fishing pole and tackle. In the illustrated embodiment,
the carrier 10 is substantially rectangular in shape with an open
top. It will be understood however that a variety of different
shapes are possible. The carrier comprises a frame composed of
rigid or semi-rigid panels, described below, covered by fabric such
as waterproof Nylon.TM.. Front and rear side walls 12 and 16 of the
container 10 are perpendicular to end walls 20 and 24. The carrier
includes a floor 17 which is rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The
side walls may comprise panels fastened to the end walls along the
respective lateral edges of the walls by suitable means, for
example gluing or stitching. Alternatively, the carrier comprises
an exterior fabric shell 14, which may include internal pockets
which retain rigid or semi-rigid panels in position to form the
respective walls. Alternatively, the fabric cover simply slides
over the panels and is held in place by other means. The floor 17
preferably comprises an integral part of the fabric cover 14. An
optional foam block 51 rests on the floor 17 and may be glued or
otherwise fastened to the cover.
[0022] The end panels or walls 20 and 24 are made of a
substantially semi-rigid and preferably buoyant material such as
closed cell polymeric foam. The end walls 20 and 24 can be each
made of a 5 inch by 9 inch by 3/4inch block of closed-cell
semi-rigid polymeric foam. Alternatively, especially if
supplemental flotation members are provided, the end panels may
comprise non-buoyant or less-buoyant material, such as rigid or
semi-rigid plastic or metal panels, for increased support and
strength. For example, the end walls may comprise closed-cell foam
or corrugated plastic. The upper portions of side and end walls 12,
16, 20 and 24 define an upper rim which is capped with a rigid
plastic rim cap 34. The rim 34 includes opposed depressions or
recesses 26 and 28 set into the end walls 20 and 24. The recesses
26 and 28 are aligned with each other to receive a rod and reel.
With the cover of the carrier open, a rod and reel may be simply
rested on the upper rim, with the rod resting within the opposed
depressions 26 and 28. The depressions restrict movement of the rod
and reel relative to the carrier. The depressions are relatively
broad so as to accommodate two and possibly more rod and reels
positioned side by side. The depressions 26 and 28 are also
reasonably shallow, such that a typical rod when resting within the
depressions is either substantially flush with the rest of the rim
or more preferably protrudes slightly above, thus permitting the
carrier lid to contact the rod so as to prevent unwanted movement
when closed. For example, the handle portion of the rod may
protrude upwardly above the rim.
[0023] In one embodiment of the fishing pole carrier, the walls 12
and 16 are each made of a 9 inch by 101/2inch flexible plastic
sheet. These flexible walls permit some bulging for oversized
cargo. They also permit the carrier 10 to be collapsed for better
storage. In addition, plastic is a suitable material for making a
water-resistant container. Alternatively, the side walls 12, 16 may
comprise a single sheet of semi-rigid material which curves to form
a channel-shaped member which comprises the opposed side walls as
well as a floor. Closed cell polymeric foam is a suitable material
for making a container that is water-resistant and can float on
water. The side walls may also comprise closed-cell foam or
corrugated plastic panels. It will be understood however that the
type of material used to construct the walls of the container is
not in any way essential to the invention. Also the characteristics
of the container's walls are not essential to the invention.
[0024] The fabric covering 14 comprises a waterproof abrasion and
tear-resistant material such as heavy Nylon.TM. or Corduroy.TM..
The covering 14 also includes various pockets and other attachments
as described below. The covering 14 may comprise two layers which
retain foam panels therebetween to form at least some of the walls
and floor of the carrier. The cover 14 preferably includes a drain
hole (not shown) extending through the floor 17.
[0025] The upper rim of the carrier 10 preferably comprises a
slip-on rigid molded plastic rim cap 34, which is shaped like an
inverted trough. The rim cap 34 slips over the uppermost rim of the
carrier and is glued into place with a suitable waterproof glue.
The rim cap 34 defines the shape of the upper rim, including
depressions or openings 26 and 28, which are formed integrally with
the rim cap. The cap 34 also provides structural support for the
carrier and serves as a substrate to retain the outer covering 14,
which is glued to the cap 34.
[0026] The carrier 10 also includes optional exterior pockets 40
and 42. The pocket 40 can accommodate small items of tackle such as
hooks, spare fishing line, sinkers, lures and worms. It will be
seen that any convenient number of pockets 40 and 42 may be
provided, with a range of suitable sizes. The pocket 42 can
accommodate larger items such as a cell phone, pliers, a small
first aid kit and tools. In one embodiment, a second smaller or a
series of smaller pockets are attached on the outside of the pocket
42. The pockets 40 and 42 have flaps 44 and 48 respectively which
can close the pocket openings. Velcro.TM. or other attachment means
can be used for holding the flaps 44 and 48 in place. The carrier
10 could also have a special sleeve for carrying a water
bottle.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cover 50 covers the top of the
carrier 10. The lid 50 comprises a flap of the fabric cover 14
which when closed covers the carrier and extends partway down the
front wall 12. A semi-rigid closed cell foam panel 52, having a
degree of resiliency, is fastened to the inside surface of the flap
50 for additional flotation and to contact and snugly grip the
poles when closed. The resiliency of the panel 52 enhances the
frictional contact between the panel 52 and the poles held within
the case by permitting the panel 52 to press downwardly on the
poles to retain them within the depressions 26. A Velcro.TM.
connector 58 secures the flap 50 to the front panel 12.
[0028] A handle 60 on the cover 50 permits carrying of the carrier
10 when the cover 50 is fastened over the top of the carrier 10.
The handle 60 can be made from a 51/2% inch by 13/4inch piece of
suitable material. It will be understood however that a variety of
alternative handles are possible.
[0029] Optional loops 64 and 66 are attached to the wall 24. Loop
68 is attached to the flap 44. These loops permit attachment of
fishing accessories such as a fish chain. The carrier 10 can also
have one or more loops or hooks for hanging the carrier up for
storage. The loops of hooks of the carrier 10 can be made of any
suitable material such as metal or plastic.
[0030] Placement of the fishing pole 70 in the carrier 10 is
illustrated in FIG. 3. The fishing pole 70 includes a reel 74, a
rod 78, and a handle 80. The fishing rod 78 rests on the two
cutouts 26, 28 such that the handle 80 protrudes rearwardly and a
portion of the rod 78 protrudes forwardly with the reel 74 being
cradled between the cutouts and thus protected from the elements
within the interior of the carrier 10.
[0031] The reel 74, which in the illustrated embodiment is below
the fishing rod 78, fits within the interior space of the carrier
10, defined by the walls 12, 16, 20 and 24. The cutouts are
sufficiently deep to permit a conventional rod to fit substantially
within the cutouts, such that when the cover is closed the rod is
held firmly and without slippage.
[0032] The carrier 10 is sized to fit a generally conventional reel
attached to a conventional pole. For different applications, the
carrier may be sized accordingly. For example, for carrying larger
rods and reels, the size may be increased. In an alternative
embodiment, the carrier has wider end walls and recesses permitting
it to accommodate a plurality of rods. Rods may be secured by use
of Velcro.TM. straps to keep the poles attached to each other
and/or to the carrier. The rods may conveniently be retained in
opposing directions to position the respective reels in an offset
relationship for more compact storage. This positioning is
convenient if the rods are highly collapsible.
[0033] The fishing pole 70 is preferably fastened to the carrier 10
by a suitable fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener
comprises a top or lid 50 and the cover 54 (see FIG. 2). The cover
50 may permit some side-to-side movement of the fishing rod 78
within the openings 26 and 28; up and down swinging of the rod
however is substantially prevented by the illustrated fastener
means. Side-to-side movement may be substantially minimized by
cinching down the cover 50.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 4, two of the carriers 10 can be
attached one on top of the other by attachment means 84, which in
the illustrated embodiment comprises two zippers which extend along
the edges of the walls 12 and the walls 16 (walls 16 not shown in
FIG. 4). It will be appreciated that the carriers 10 could be
attached to each other by other means (for example by clips or hook
and loop fasteners).
[0035] An optional adjustable waist belt 90 can be used to attach
the carrier 10 to the waist of a user. In this manner, both of the
hands of the user are free. The belt 90 is therefore particularly
useful when the user desires to have the carrier 10 at his side
while fishing with his boots in the water. Other means for easing
toting of the carrier 10 are possible (e.g. a shoulder strap).
[0036] The carrier 10 can assist a fisherman in protecting his reel
from damage when he wishes to change his hook, bait, or other item
attachable to the end of the fishing pole line. Instead of dropping
the fishing pole to the ground while he works with items on the end
of the line, the fisherman can keep the fishing pole in the carrier
10.
[0037] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in
accordance with the invention a fishing rod and tackle carrier that
fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with
illustrated embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variations as fall within the broad scope of the
invention.
* * * * *